CODA II: The Next Verse (2026)
Starring: Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Daniel Durant, Marlee Matlin, Eugenio Derbez

Ruby Rossi’s journey was meant to take her to the big city, to New York, where the world of music awaited her. Having bravely overcome the complexities of living as a child of deaf adults (CODA), Ruby took a step towards her dream with her family’s blessing. She was finally poised to pursue her passion for singing and to become a part of the world that had always seemed so distant. Her life was transforming into something she had worked so hard to build. But the winds of fate have a way of changing course when you least expect it.

A family emergency brings Ruby back to Gloucester, her hometown, where her mother, father, and brother are in dire need of her support. The very world she had hoped to leave behind is now waiting for her, demanding attention and care. Ruby’s return to her roots sets in motion a deep exploration of her identity, her sense of belonging, and the complex emotions of returning to a place that was once both a source of love and limitation.

The heart of Ruby’s story in CODA II: The Next Verse is her struggle to reconcile the conflicting parts of herself—the girl who was her family’s bridge to the hearing world and the woman who has found a voice of her own in music. In the first film, Ruby’s life was defined by her role as the interpreter and the mediator, the one who communicated on behalf of her deaf family. She was their connection to a world that didn’t fully understand them. But in New York, Ruby tasted freedom. She found her voice as a singer, a chance to step out of the shadow of her family and into her own spotlight.

Now, back in Gloucester, everything feels different. She’s no longer the one who has to navigate the silence for her family. Instead, she’s someone who must find her place in a world that seems to have moved on without her. Ruby faces a new challenge—who is she now that she no longer holds the role of interpreter and bridge-builder? Her return brings up old memories and unresolved feelings. It forces Ruby to confront her identity and what it means to be both part of the deaf community and part of the hearing world, neither fully belonging to one nor the other.

Ruby’s family, especially her parents, are struggling with their own emotions. Her mother (Marlee Matlin) and father (Troy Kotsur) still rely on Ruby for the things that they cannot do themselves in the hearing world. But they also recognize that Ruby has grown beyond the role they had come to rely on. Ruby’s brother, Leo (Daniel Durant), is also dealing with his own challenges. Although Ruby’s return brings a sense of home, it’s also a reminder of how much has changed—not just for Ruby, but for everyone.

Her time away from Gloucester was meant to be a fresh start, but it’s clear that Ruby has outgrown her previous life in ways that even she cannot fully comprehend. Returning to the place she once called home makes her feel like she’s not just leaving behind her new life in New York, but also the person she’s become. She’s stuck in a liminal space between two worlds, unsure of where she belongs and what her future holds.

A pivotal moment comes when Ruby takes a long, hard look at her past. She realizes that her role as a CODA wasn’t just about translation or interpreting. It was about her identity—her love for her family, the pressure she felt, and the sacrifices she made. It was also about a deep-rooted need to prove her worth to herself and to the world. But now that the role of the interpreter is no longer hers to play, Ruby finds herself at a crossroads. She has to figure out who she is without the expectations and limitations of the past.

The emotional exploration of Ruby’s journey is both powerful and relatable. It’s a story about growth, identity, and the courage to move forward even when the past continues to pull you back. Ruby’s relationship with her family is at the heart of the story. Her bond with her mother, father, and brother is unshakeable, but the dynamic is changing. They must all come to terms with the fact that Ruby can’t always be the one who sacrifices her own dreams for the sake of others. The story unfolds as Ruby slowly navigates the process of finding her own voice, both literally and figuratively.

Ruby also faces a difficult reality: the world outside her family’s small town has moved on without her. The music world, which she once dreamed of conquering, doesn’t have a place for her as easily as she had hoped. The support she received from her family was always unwavering, but Ruby now finds herself questioning whether she can truly stand on her own or if she will forever be tied to her past.

Yet, Ruby’s story is one of hope and resilience. It’s a reminder that even in the most uncertain moments, there is always a way forward. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, exploring what it means to be true to herself and what it means to be a part of her family. There are moments of doubt, heartache, and frustration, but there are also moments of triumph and understanding.

Ruby begins to realize that finding her voice isn’t just about music; it’s about learning to speak her truth in every part of her life. Whether it’s with her family, her friends, or the world at large, Ruby learns that being authentic is the most powerful thing she can do. And in this process, she finds herself in a way she never expected.

As Ruby begins to embrace the future and all its uncertainties, she also discovers that the love and support of her family doesn’t have to be a burden. In fact, it’s the very thing that will help her break free from the past and move into a future where she can truly be herself—without guilt, without fear, and without the need to please anyone else.

In the end, CODA II: The Next Verse is more than just a sequel; it’s a deeper exploration of identity, family, and the courage to embrace change. Ruby’s journey is one of self-empowerment, and her story serves as an inspiring reminder that it’s okay to outgrow your past and take ownership of your future. With the love and understanding of her family, Ruby finds the strength to navigate the difficult terrain of self-discovery and the courage to find her voice in a world that no longer needs her to be the bridge. This is her time to sing her own song, loud and clear, without fear of being misunderstood.